Cubs Likely Won't Extend Stroman Before Trade Deadline: Report

The Chicago Cubs remain in wait-and-see mode when it comes to whether to keep or deal Marcus Stroman.

Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs are not seeking to extend the contract of pitcher Marcus Stroman before the Aug. 1 trade deadline, per a report in The Athletic.

Stroman, who is 9-5 this season with a 2.47 ERA and mounting a Cy Young candidacy, does have a contract through the 2024 season. But next season is a player option. Stroman has made it clear that he would like to stay in Chicago and get an extended contract.

But, as of now, the Cubs are reportedly inclined to let the month play out and see if they are buyers and sellers at the trade deadline.

Stroman last spoke Friday about the situation, and not there’s no issues with general manager Carter Hawkins or president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer.

“Nothing new,” Stroman said Friday. “I have a great relationship with Jed and Carter. It’s been awesome here. I just don’t think they’re in a position right now for me to extend my (time here). Which, I don’t even care. I feel good here. I would love for them to be in play in the offseason. I would love to have an opportunity to sign back here in free agency after the year is done. I’m super present. However it goes, it goes.”

The Cubs are in an unusual position. They’re under-.500 but are the only team in the National League Central with a positive run differential. They’re only a handful of games out of the division lead. But winning the division is likely the team’s only path to make it to the postseason.

That, plus Stroman’s player option next season, puts the Cubs in a bind. Do they extend Stroman or do they deal in case they can’t work out a deal in the offseason? The latter would at least allow the Cubs to get some return on Stroman.

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